PS Kimotho says gov't committed to conserve Oloolua forest

The government has pledged to restore and protect Oloolua Forest, with Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho unveiling an ambitious conservation drive anchored on what he termed the “six C’s of conservation.”

Speaking during the commemoration of International Day of Forests, Kimotho—who has adopted the forest and serves as patron of the Oloolua Conservation Action for Resilience and Ecosystem Integrity (OLOOLUA C.A.R.E) initiative—said the programme marks the beginning of a long-term restoration journey bringing together government agencies, partners and local communities.

He stressed that communities living around the forest will be central to the initiative, outlining a raft of interventions aimed at both conservation and livelihoods.

“We cannot do without the support of the surrounding communities. We are going to support the establishment of tree nurseries and a borehole to aid the tree nurseries, provide 200 beehives to Women and User Groups, distribute 2000 avocado seedlings to farmers and 20 local schools through the support of PS Agriculture, distribute 10 model dustbins to schools and support the establishment of Mazingira Clubs in schools,” said Kimotho.

The PS explained that the six pillars of the initiative include conservation through measures such as electronic fencing and large-scale restoration, alongside community livelihood support, clean energy solutions, circular economy initiatives, access to clean water and promotion of climate-smart agriculture.

He noted that efforts are already underway to mobilise resources to fence sections of the forest, revealing that partners have committed to covering a significant portion of the initial phase.

An inaugural conservation walk set for April 25 is also expected to raise support for the project.

Kimotho underscored that public participation will guide key decisions, including the placement of access gates to the forest, underscoring the need for local ownership of the project.

The event was graced by Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ngeno, who flagged off 2,000 fruit tree seedlings to be distributed to more than 20 primary schools as part of efforts to boost tree cover and environmental awareness among learners.

Ngeno, who attended as the chief guest, emphasised the need for collective action in protecting forests, noting their role in safeguarding biodiversity and supporting livelihoods. He also called for a collective action to safeguard the ecosystem.

The exercise brought together stakeholders, including the Kenya Forest Service, the World Wildlife Fund, local leaders, forest associations and community groups, in a coordinated push to secure the future of Oloolua Forest.